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The Wild West Festival Committee has announced details of the much-anticipated return of a carnival to the annual Fourth of July weekend celebration, with Garry Moore Amusements set to provide a variety of rides, games and food stalls.
The carnival will operate in conjunction with the festival from Thursday, July 3, through Saturday, July 5, offering entertainment for all ages.
Garry Moore Amusements will open each evening at 5 p.m., with operations continuing as long as crowd support allows.
Wristbands for unlimited rides will be honored nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. Per-ride tickets will also be available for purchase during all operational hours. The carnival is expected to feature about 10 rides, 10 game stands, and two food stands, ensuring a diverse array of attractions for all ages.
"We are incredibly excited and relieved to announce the return of a carnival to the Wild West Festival," said Julie Edgeman, committee president. "Securing a quality carnival has been a significant challenge in recent years, and we are immensely grateful to Garry Moore Amusements for stepping up to bring this exciting piece of events to the Fourth of July holiday weekend. It's an element that truly completes the festival experience for many families."
Advance wristbands for the carnival are available for $25, offering a discount from the $30 price at the carnival gate.
These advance wristbands can be purchased during Wild West Festival set-up days, today through Wednesday at the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Main Street building at 101 Main St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will also be available at the merchandise table inside the festival grounds during open festival hours.
It is important to note that access to the carnival does not require a Wild West Festival concert ticket, as Garry Moore Amusements operates as an independent entity, despite running concurrently with the festival.
Beyond the carnival, planning for the Wild West Festival's main stage concerts and activities is proceeding smoothly.
Advance festival tickets, granting access to all three nights of concerts, remain available for $35 at local Cerv's and Dillons locations, as well as online at wildwestfestival.com.
Tickets purchased at the door will be $45 for single-night admission.
"Purchasing advance tickets for all three nights is by far the most economical way to experience the festival, even if attendees only plan to come for one night," Edgeman said. "The value of the three-night pass significantly outweighs the single-night door price, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to enjoy our incredible lineup of concerts."
For the latest updates, including concert schedules, weather statements, and any other announcements that could affect festival events, attendees are encouraged to monitor the official Wild West Festival Facebook page.